Clothes washer water fill control



Jan. 9, 1968 G. J. REED 3,362,197

CLOTHES WASHER WATER FILL CONTROL Filed May 11, 1966 INVENTOR. 42-01745J R1552:

United States Patent 3,362,197 CLOTHES WASHER WATER FILL CONTROL GeorgeJ. Reed, Two Rivers, Wis., assignor to American Motors Corporation,Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Maryland Filed May 11, 1966, Ser. No.549,200 7 Claims. (Cl. 68-12) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLGSURE A clotheswasher fill control providing automatically a partial fill ofpreselected temperature cleaning fluid followed after an interval,wherein the washing action starts, by the remainder at the sametemperature to a fill level as preselected. The first fill level beingin ratio to the preselected fill level.

The present invention pertains to a fluid fill control circuit forautomatic clothes washing machines.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic fluidfill control for clothes washing machine whereby washing fluid isadmitted in two stages; with the first stage providing a partial fillfor prescrubbing the clothes for a predetermined time and after whichthe remainder of the fluid is added to the fill machine for the normalwashing action.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a control wherebythe operator may by manual adjustment preselect the amount of washingfluid to be admitted for the wash cycle, as desired or for the load tobe washed. The first stage fill is automatically adjusted to admitsubstantially one half the desired fluid for a prescrubbing wash action,for a predetermined period, after which the remainder of the fluid isadmitted for the normal wash action.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid fillcontrol for an automatic clothes washing machine, having a wash andrinse cycle, and whereby the wash fill is in stages with an intervaltherebetween to permit a prescrubbing action of the clothes and wherebythe rinse fill is automatic and a continuous fill of the same ordifferent temperature fluid.

These and other objects and advantages to be gained in the practice ofthe invention will be better understood and further appreciated upon areading of the following specification having reference to theaccompanying drawing and wherein:

The drawing is a schematic illustration of a clothes washing machine andwiring diagram incorporating the invention.

A clothes washing machine 10 is shown having a rotatable perforated tub12 enclosed within a stationary outer tub 14. Movably mounted within thetub 12 is an agitator 16. The tub 12 and the agitator 16 are connectedto be operably driven through a drive mechanism 18 by an electric motor20.

The drive or electric motor 20 is a two directional two speed typehaving a low speed winding 21, a high speed winding 2 and a startingwinding 23. The motor 20 when energized, either at high or low speed,will act through the drive mechanism 18 to drive the agitator 16 andwhen energized to drive in a reverse direction, either at high or lowspeed, will act through the drive mechanism 18 to spin the tub 12.

Water, or cleaning fluid and the like, is supplied to the tub fromsuitable sources through conduits or pipes 24, 25 under control ofrespective solenoid actuated valves 27, 28. Preferably one of theconduits, as 24, may supply heated fluid into the machine.

The water entering the tubs 12, 14 also enters a sump 3,362,197 PatentedJan. 9, 19468 30 that is in open communication with the tub 14. In likeopen communication with the sump 30 is a vertical standpipe 32 in whicha corresponding column of fluid rises as the tubs are being filled. Theupper end of the pipe 32 is branched and connected in open communicationwith pressure responsive flexible chamber members 34 and 35 that arerespective parts of pressure actuated switches and such that the chamber34 is operably connected to actuate a double throw switch 37 and thechamber 35 is operably connected to actuate a single throw switch 38.

The washing machine 10* is provided with a hinged lid 40 for access intothe machine. The lid 40 is operably connected (not shown) to a switch42. The switch 42 is actuated to open position upon the opening of thelid and to closed position upon its reclosing.

A power supply line 44, the lid switch 42, a timer actuated switch 46and the switch arm of the switch 37 are all connected in series circuit.

The switch 46 is one of a plurality of switches included in a timermechanism 47 to be described hereinafter. The switches within the timer47 are each cam operated through the control or operation of a timermotor 50, or manually by rotation of a knob 51.

The pressure actuated switch 37 moves between the contacts 52 and 54.The contact 52 is connected by a conductor 56 to a resistance heatingelement 58 which is connected by a conductor 59 to a power line 60. Thecontact 52 is also connected through conductors 56, 57 to the timermotor 50 which in turn is connected to the power line 60.

The heating element 58 is associated with a timer actuated switch 62.The switch 62 is biased to closed position by the heat from the element58, and the thermal responsive switch preferably remains closed untilmechanically reopened by a timer cam.

The contact point 52, the switch 62, the pressure actuated switch 38 anda timer actuated switch 64 are in series circuit through conductors 56,63 and 65. The switch 64 is actuated between contacts 66, 67.

The switch 64 engaging the contact 66 presets a circuit to initiate thewater fill for the wash cycle. When the switch 64 engages the contact 67it presets a circuit to initiate the water fill for the rinse cycle.Each contact 66, 67 is connected in parallel circuits to the solenoid ofthe valves 27, 28 which in turn are connected by the conductor 59 to thepower line 60. Interposed in series circuit between the contact 66 andthe solenoid of the valves 66, 67 is a group of manually actuatedswitches 70 to preselect the water temperature for the wash fill. Topreselect the water temperature for the rinse fill a group of manuallyactuated switches 72 is similarly interconnected in series circuitbetween the contact 67 and the solenoids of the valves 27, 28.

The timer actuated switch 47 besides including the mentioned switches46, 62, 64 also includes switches 80, 82, 83 and 84. The switches 46, 82are connected in series circuit. The contact point 52 is connected byconductors 56, 57 to the switch 82. The opposite side of the switch 82is connected in series with the switch '83 and in series to a manuallyactuated speed preselector switch 85. The switches 83, 85 are inparallel connection to the switch 82.

The speed preselector switch 85 is movable between contacts 86, 87 topreselect a respective running winding of the motor. The contact 86 isconnected to the low speed winding 21 and the contact 87 is connected tothe high speed winding 22.. Each winding 21, 22 is connected to thepower line 60.

The timer switch 83 functions in unison with the timer switch 84 inenergizing and changing the polarity of the starting winding of themotor 20. The switch 83 is actuated between contacts 92, 93 while theswitch 84 is actu- 3 ated between contacts 94, 95. The contacts 92, 95are connected in parallel to one side of the starting winding 23. Theopposite side of the starting winding 23 is connected in parallel tocontacts 93, 95. The switch 84 is connected by conductor 97 in series toa centrifugally actuated switch 96, responsive to the speed of the motor20, and to the power line 60.

In starting a wash operation the operator will first load the inner tub12 with clothes and detergent and then close the lid 40 whichautomatically closes the switch 42. Next there is a preselection of thewater temperatures by manually closing one or more of the switches inthe group 70 for the wash water fill, and one or more of the switches inthe group 72 for the rinse water fill. Next, the water level height, orquantity of water to be admitted is preselected by manually adjust-ing acam 110 which acting through a pressure bar 112 to proportionately varythe pressure responsive of the chambers 34, 35. Both chambers aresimultaneously varied so that the chamber 35 will respond to actuate theswitch 38 to open position when the desired maximum water level isattained and the chamber 34 will respond to actuate the switch 37 fromcontact 54 to contact 52 to temporarily halt the water fill whensubstantially one half of the desired maximum fill has been received inthe tubs. Finally, the operator manually rotates the knob 51 to set thetimer 47 in start position which closes the switch 46, opens the switch62 and sets switch 64 upon the contact 66.

With the tubs empty of water the switch 38 is normally closed and theswitch 37 is held upon the contact 54. Setting the timer 47 on startposition the water fill circuit follows from power line 44, closedswitches 42, 46, conductor 39, switch 37 across contact 54, switch 64across contact 66, the preselected one or both of the switches closed,designated as H, C, in group 70 and to a respective solenoid orsolenoids of valves 27, 28 interconnected by conductor 59 to power line60. If in group 70 the switch H is alone preselected the valve 28 aloneis opened to admit hot water to the tubs. If switch C is alone closedthen the opened valve 27 will admit cold water, while if both switchesH, C are preselected then both valves are opened to admit water of anintermediate temperature.

As the fluid fills and rises in the tubs a corresponding column of fluidrises in the pipe 32 which compresses the air thereabove towards thechambers 34, 35. When substantially one-half of the desired quantity offluid has been admitted the chamber 34 will be sufliciently expanded, byair trapped and compressed therein, to actuate the switch 37 to engagethe contact 52. This action de-energizes the circuits to the solenoids,reclosing the water valves to stop the filling, and starts the operationof the drive motor 20, the timer motor 50 and energizes the heatingelement 58.

The operation of the timer motor 50 closes the switch 82 and sets theswitches 83, 84 to close a circuit to energize the starting winding toeffect a directional rotation of the motor to drive the agitator 16through the mechanism 18. The switch 82 also closes the parallel circuitto the preselector switch 85. If the switch 85 is engaged upon thecontact 86 the low speed winding 21 is energized to drive the agitatorat low speed, and reversely if the contact 87 is engaged the high speedwinding 22 is energized for high speed operation of the agitator. Assoon as the motor has attained a predetermined speed the switch 96 bycentrifugal action will de-energize the start winding.

With a partial fill of water in the tub 12 the agitator will effect apre-scrubbing of the clothes in a fluid having a high ratio of detergentor soap. The agitator will continue its operation uninterrupted to theend of the wash cycle, that is, until the timer motor 50 effects are-opening of the switch 82.

Upon the completion of the partial filling, and initiation of theagitator operation, the heating element 58 is energized. The circuitfollows from the switch 37 engaging contact 52, conductor 56, element58, conductor 59 to the power line 60.

The heating element 58 is arranged to provide an interval of agitatoroperation before the heat will influence the switch 62 to bias to closedposition. This interval provides the above described prescrubbing actionirrespective of the timer settings. With the switch 62 closed a secondwater fill circuit is closed. This circuit follows from switch 37 uponthe contact 52, the closed switches 62, 38 connected in series byconductors 56, 63, 65, the switch 64 still engaging the contact 66 tore-energize the same solenoids and reopen the same valves 27, 28 or bothas was preselected for the first flow by the closed switch in group 70.The same temperature water will again flow into the tubs until the riseof fluid in the pipe 32 has suificiently compressed the air in thechamber 35 to complete the fill; that is, the maximum quantity of fluidhas been admitted whereby the air pressure in the pipe 32 causes thechamber 35 to expand and actuate the switch 38 to open position. Whenthe switch 38 opens the solenoids are de-energized and the valves arereclosed.

After a preselected period of operation by the agitator the timer motor50 will have advanced the cams to open switch 82 to stop operation ofthe motor and the wash period. Following a short pause, the timer willreclose the switch 82 after having reset the switches 83 and 84 upon theopposite contacts 93, 95, and also closed a switch 80. The reverse flowof current will start a reverse rotation of the motor with the samerunning winding being energized, unless the switch 85 was manually resetupon the opposite contact. The motor 20 driving reversely will, throughthe drive mechanism 18, spin the perforated tub 12 to efiect a drying ofthe clothes.

The water may be drained in all well known manner from the tubs, such asby a pump (not shown) driven by the motor 20. As the water level dropsand empties from the tubs and pipe 32, there is a resetting of theswitches 38 and 37. With the switch 37 re-engaging the contact 54 itbreaks the original circuit to the motor across contact 52. To preventmotor circuit interruption in spin drive, the closing of the switchprovides a by-pass circuit from the power line 44, closed switches 46,80, to the timer closed switch 82 and to the motor.

Upon the switch 37 resetting on the contact 54, the preselected solenoidor solenoids will reopen respective valves to admit fluid for a sprayrinse While the tub is still spinning. The spray rinse may be eitherthat selected for wash, or that desired for the rinse fill; in whichevent the timer motor would have advanced the cam to actuate the switch64 upon the contact 67. The contact 67 connects the preselected switchesin group 72 to control the water valves.

If no spray rinse is desired the cam may be arranged to move the switch64 to a neutral position intermediate the contacts 66, 67 and to be heldthere until the spin period has terminated. When the cam is advanced bythe timer motor 50 to move the switch upon the contact 67, the selectedwater valve or valves will be reopened and the tubs will start to refillwith water of the temperature preselected for the rinse operation.

The refilling with rinse water may be 'had as described above, for thewash fill, in two stages. However it is sometimes preferred to providean uninterrupted fill in which case the switch 62 need not be re-openedby the timer at this time. With the switch 62 closed the water fillcircuit will not be de-energized until the switch 38 opens.

Re-opening the switch 80 upon completion of the spin cycle places theagitators operation, during the rinse period, in the same circuit as forthe wash operation. The agitator commences operation upon the switch 37moving in engagement with the contact 52; that is, when the tubs arefilled with approximately one half of the selected maximum fill.However, the agitators operation may be delayed for a period subsequentto switch 37 engaging contact 52 merely by arranging the timer motorsadvancement of the cams for closing the switch 82 with the properresetting of the switches 83, 84 for agitator drive.

Although a preferred embodiment of this invention has been shown anddescribed, it Will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit ofthe invention or from the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In combination with a washing machine, the control circuit,comprising:

solenoid valves for controlling the flow of washing fluid to the washingmachine,

means connected to said valves for closing them and disposed foractuation in response to the water level in the washing machine,

and said responsive means being operatively interconnected together forrepeat actuation of said solenoid valves with a time delay therebetweenin the progressive filling of said washing machine at diflerent selectedlevels.

2. The washing machine and control circuit of claim 1 said responsivemeans including a first and a second pressure responsive mechanismoperative of switching devices in circuit with said solenoid valves.

3. The washing machine and control circuit of claim 2, including;

means connected in the circuit of said switching device with saidsolenoid valves and being manually operative to preselect one or more ofsaid solenoid valves with said switching device.

4. In a washing machine having a washing fluid receptive tub, agitatormeans provided in said tub, and means for supplying washing or rinsingfluid at selected temperatures to said tub by internal stages, thecontrol circuit, comprising;

a stand-pipe connected to said tub for measuring the level of washingfluid received therein,

pressure responsive switch means operatively disposed and connected tosaid stand-pipe and having one thereof responsive to half the pressureof the other thereof,

solenoid valves for controlling the flow of washing fluid to said tubfrom the supply source, and a timer mechanism and circuit operative ofsaid agitator means and connected between said pressure responsiveswitch means and said solenoid valves,

said timer mechanism being cyclically operable of said solenoid valvesto admit washing fluid to said tub, and and said one pressure responsiveswitch means being operable through said timer circuit to close saidvalves, after partially filling said tub, and for actuating saidagitator means,

said timer circuit being subsequently operable of said solenoid valvesfor admitting more washing fluid to the partial fill in said tub andsaid other pressure responsive switch means being operable through saidtimer circuit for closing said valves following further filling of saidtub with washing fluid.

5. The washing machine control circuit of claim 4, including;

means operatively connected to said pressure responsive switch means andinterconnected therebetween for proportionately varying said switchmeans for partial filling said tub with the pre-selected full level. 6.The washing machine control circuit of claim 4, including;

second responsive switch means operatively resetting upon the emptyingof said tub of washing fluid, and switch means operatively connectedbetween said timer circuit and said solenoid valves and by-passing saidpressure responsive switch means for actuating said valves to providerinsing fluid to said tub subse quent to the emptying of said tub ofwashing fluid. 7. In a washing machine having a washing fluid receptivetub, agitator means provided in said tub, and means for supplyingwashing and rinsing fluid at selected temperatures to said tub, thecontrol circuit, comprising;

a stand-pipe connected to said tub for measuring the level of washingfluid received therein, pressure responsive switch means operativelydisposed and connected to said stand-pipe and having one thereofresponsive to half the pressure of the other thereof, solenoid valvesfor controlling the flow of washing fluid to said tub from the supplysource, and a timer mechanism and circuit operative of said agitatormeans and connected between said pressure responsive switch means andsaid solenoid valve, said timer mechanism being cyclically operable ofsaid solenoid valves to admit washing fluid to said tub, and said onepressure responsive switch means being operable through said timercircuit to close said valves, after partially filling said tub, and foractuating said agitator means, said timer circuit being subsequentlyoperable of said solenoid valves for admitting more washing fluid tosaid tub and said other pressure responsive switch means being operablethrough said timer circuit for closing said valves following furtherfilling of said tub with washing fluid, and said timer circuit includinga thermal responsive switch for delayed activation of said lastmentioned pressure responsive switch means and assurance of agitatoractivation intermediate the activation of the different pressureresponsive switch means, and irrespective of the setting of said timermechanism.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,302,923 11/ 1942 Zimarik 68207X 2,896,436 7/1959 Buechler 68207 X 2,911,811 11/1959 Clark 68122,973,193 2/1961 Castricone 68207 X 3,133,433 5/1964 Gebel 68123,159,174 12/1964 Searle et a1 68207 X WILLIAM I. PRICE, PrimaryExaminer.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3,362,197 January 9, 1968 George J. Reed It is certified that errorappears in the above identified patent and that said Letters Patent arehereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, lines 59'and 60; "high speed winding 2" should read "'highspeed winding 22 Column 3, line 18,"responsive" should read responsionColumn 5, line 38, "internal" should read interVa1--'; lines 52 and 53,"and and" should read and Column 6, line 9, "second responsive" shouldread second'pressure responsive Signed and sealed this 14th day ofOctober 1969.

(SEAL) Attest:

WILLIAM E. SCHUYLER, JR.

Edward M. Fletcher, Ir.

Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer

